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PostPosted: Fri Nov 27, 2009 9:36 am 
Spider Lady
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Saturday 29 November 1851

Laying The Foundation Stone of the New Building of the Mechanics' Institution.

The spirited inhabitants of the busy and prosperous town of Burnley have this week commenced a work destined, in all probability, to be of immense importance to the future interests of the members of their community, by providing increased accommodation for the valuable Institution which has now been established for some years amongst them. In the year 1834 some desire was felt among the inhabitants of that town for the establishment of a library of useful works, to which the working classes, the more especially, might have access on easy terms; accordingly, on the 21st day of November in that year a meeting of some of the local philanthropists was held at the iron foundry of the late James Marsland, Esq., at which a "Mechanics' Library" was established. Mr. J. Leeming, then an inhabitant of Burnley, but now a merchant at Montreal, North America, presided at this interesting gathering. For some time this was carried on, not altogether without advantage to those concerned, but its operations were necessarily limited. On the 10th of December, 1841, a meeting was held, Mr. George Smirthwaite in the chair, and a resolution was passed that the Mechanics' Library be merged into a Mechanics' Institution. This was accordingly done, and from that time to the present the Mechanics' Institution has been of essential advantage to the inhabitants in providing a supply of good standard literature, in opening a well supplied news-room, in engaging lecturers, holding concerts, &c., and in affording other amusements of an intellectual and elevating character.
In the progress of the Institution its managers found themselves sadly "cribbed, cabined, and confined" in the small premises their limited means compelled them to occupy, and many have been the wishes expressed for a new building. In the year 1845 a plan was projected, by which the necessary capital for the undertaking was to be raised in shares, and a large proportion were subscribed for. Fortunately, circumstances occurred by which this project was frustrated. We say fortunately because any dividend to the proprietors would have been a withdrawal from the purposes of the Institution of a certain amount of money, and would have been to that extent a lessening of its utility; now a suitable building will be erected, on which there can be no such drawback. Before further noticing the present plan we may state that another circumstance occurred in the career of the Institution, threatening at one time to weaken it considerably, if not altogether to destroy its utility. A few years ago, the well-intentioned religious zeal of some of the clergy of Burnley detected in the rules of the Institution what they feared was a dangerous neutrality on points of religious belief. In common with the manners of other Mechanics' Institutions, the founders of the Burnley society had, as we think wisely, determined on making their literary treasures and their other means of instruction open to all sects and parties, by providing for the members standard works of excellence in the various branches of science and general literature; but leaving to the members to obtain from other and more appropriate quarters information on dogmatic theology. Those who thought that an institution should be less general seceded, and two other societies were formed, one a Wesleyan Institution, which has aimed at little beyond a congregational influence; the other, the Church of England Literary Institutian, which has been conducted with spirit, has obtained a handsome building a large library, &c., but, as its name intimates, its advantages, though open to a large proportion of the inhabitants of Burnley, are not available to all. In connection with this subject we have much pleasure in recording that the warmth of feeling much pleasure in recording that the warmth of feeling engendered by these proceedings has been long since allayed, and while each society is conducted independently of the other a good feeling pervades all; and as regards the Mechanics' Institution, it now occupies a higher position in public estimation than it ever before enjoyed. There are 335 subscribers to it now on the books, and upwards of 3,000 volumes in the library. This, considering that the population of Burnley, and such portion of the adjoining township of Habergham Eaves as may fairly be said to belong to the town, is only 27,000, is about as favourable a position as any institution in the country has attained.
After the abandonment of the plan of erecting a building in shares, suggestions were made from time to time to feel the pulse of the public as to its disposition to respond to an appeal for donations for a new building. At length the decisive step was taken, and a prospectus piteously stating the inconveniences of the present building, and eloquently setting forth the advantages new and more spacious premises would be, was issued last May. It stated among other things— "The committee have had various plans of the building submitted to them, and after mature consideration, recommend for adoption the design of Mr. Green, the estimated cost of which is £3,000. The site is the same as that selected for the former project. It is proposed that there should be over the whole building a handsome lecture room or concert hall, with suitable ante-rooms for ladies and gentlemen; and that under these should be a library, a reading room, a spacious public news room, and two large and commodious shops or offices, to be let for any suitable purpose. Under the last-mentioned rooms there will be ample space for lofty and well ventilated class rooms, and dwelling apartments for a resident librarian; and beneath the whole a range of fire-proof vaults, well adapted for the storage of many kinds of merchandise. By the rents obtained from the shops and vaults, it is calculated that a handsome sum will be made available for the purposes of the institution, after deducting the amount necessary each year for the insurance of the premises, and the ordinary repairs and improvements. By this plan it is evident, that instead of a heavy call upon the funds every year, there will be not only excellent accommodations free from rent-charge, but a valuable endowment whereby the working expenses will be greatly relieved, and the directors will be enabled to furnish greater advantages to the members than they could otherwise possibly afford, even with a considerable addition to their present numbers." —This appeal was generously responded to by some of the wealthier and more influential inhabitants of the town, and the large sum of £2000 was raised, although, as yet, a general canvass for subscriptions has not been commenced. Among the earlier subscriptions were those of Charles Towneley, Esq., of Towneley, the president of the institution, and a munificent supporter of all the institutions of Burnley, for £500; Messrs. Alcocks, Birkbecks, and Co., £300; Messrs, Roberts and Walton, £300; and Messrs. Spencer and Moore, £300. We hope, in a few weeks, to be able to give a complete list.
In the first instance, the committee only aspired to erect a building to cost about £2,000; as they further felt their wants the estimate rose higher, until, encouraged by the liberality of the public, they obtained comprehensive plans, and their complete scheme is now to cost £4,500; so that, with extras, it will not be far short of £5,000.
The new building is to be erected from designs by Mr. James Green, of Portsmouth. The masons' work is to be done by Mr. R. Smith, and the joiners' work by Mr. W Parker, both of Burnley. The building will have two principal fronts, of the Italian style of architecture; the principal entrance from Yorke-street has a portico of four disengaged and coupled Corinthian columns, with entablature and balustrade, in all 25ft. high. The ground story windows have bold semi-circular arches, formed of sunk channelled rustic, boldly relieved and fronted in fine picked work. The first-floor windows will be enriched with Corinthian attached columns and pilasters, supporting the entablature with triangular and segmental pediments. The whole will be crowned with bold projecting cornice, supported by moulded blocks and enriched with lions' heads. These fronts will be entirely in polished stone, from the Catlow Quarry, near Burnley. The interior arrangements of the building will comprise, on the ground story, spacious entrance hall and staircase; news-room, 32ft. by 28ft.; reading-room, 28ft. by 28ft.; library, 28ft. by 18ft.; also committee rooms, and two shops, fronting: Market-street. The first floor will be wholly devoted to the purpose of a public hall for lectures and assemblies, and will be 72ft. by 51ft., exclusive of ladies' and gentlemen's ante and retiring rooms, over the whole of which will be a gallery for orchestral purposes. The hall will he decorated with Corinthian columns and pilasters, forty-two in number, supporting entablature with enriched Modillia cornice. The room will be 25ft. high, and will have a covered and panelled ceiling, highly ornamented, with a large circular dome light of stained glass in the centre. Spacious class rooms will be provided in the basement story, and rooms for resident porter; under the whole of which will be store vaults, made entirely fire-proof.
Tuesday last, as we have said, was the day fixed for commencing this work. In order to give a due eclat to so interesting an occasion, it was resolved that there should be a general holiday throughout the town. All classes fell in with the suggestion; mills and workshops were closed, all places of business were shut up, high and low, rich and poor, all joined heartily in celebrating the event. At an early hour members of benefit societies and others were astir, flags were flying from various places, all indicating that an event of no slight importance was about to take place. It was appropriately arranged that Charles Towneley, Esq., should lay the first stone, and that he should be escorted into the town from his seat by a suitable attendance. About one o'clock a large party of gentlemen, including at the head those who had been among the most active workers for Institution, met opposite the present Institution building in Yorkshire-street. There were also in attendance two bands of music, and the members of the Masonic body, the Odd-fellows, and other societies, with flags and regalia, and these went in marshalled order through the town to Burnley Wood, and thence through the main entrance to Towneley Park, and along the principal drive to the front of the hall. The morning was dull, and here some rain fell, but before the return of the procession the weather was again fine. The assembled multitude here waited a short time, allowing the strangers present time to notice the features of this noble baronial residence of the ancient family of Towneley. It is a fine castellated edifice, on a commanding situation, in one of the best timbered parks in the county.
A char-a-banc drove up, into which the Countess of Sefton, the Countess of Cathcart, the two Misses Towneley, and Mrs. Gerard entered, and they drove down the park,to the site of the new building, amid the acclamations of the assemblage. Carriages for the gentlemen at the hall then drove up, and the procession marshalled in the following order, Messrs. Greaves, Fishwick, Veevers, and A. Knowles, on horseback, performing with ability and efficiency the duties of marshals.
The Building Committee.
Directors of the Institution.
Committee for managing the Tea-party.
Working-mens Committee.
Architect and Contractors.
Carriage, containing C. Towneley, Esq., the Earl of Carlisle, the Earl of Sefton, J. Wilson Patten, Esq., M.P.
Carriage containing James Heywood, Esq., M.P., F.R.S., Sir J. P. Kay Shuttleworth, Bart., C. Barry, Esq., Rev. G. Hearne.
Carriage, containing the Honourable Augustus Murray Cathcart and Walter Strickland, Esq.
Members and Friends of the Institution.
Mechanics' Institution Brass Band.
Drum and Fife Band of the Catholic School.
Freemasons.
Independent Order of Oddfellows — 9 lodges.
United Order of Oddfellows — 6 lodges.
Ancient Order of Foresters — 6 lodges.
United Ancient Order of Druids — 3 lodges.
Loyal Ancient Order of Shepherds.
Order of Rechabites.
As the procession moved through the park it had a most imposing aspect; and as the flags and banners waved in the wind, and the old woods of Towneley echoed back the sounds of music and the acclamations of the crowd, the effect was indeed thrilling. The procession moved to the site of the building, in Yorke-street and Market-street, directly opposite Salem Chapel, where already there was a vast assemblage to witness the ceremony. Along the whole route the streets were crowded; every window was occupied by ladies, and even many of the house-tops were crowded with spectators. The site with the adjacent vacant land formed a vast amphitheatre, which was thronged by spectators, of whom a very large proportion were respectably-attired ladies. Altogether there must have been from eight to ten thousand people present on the occasion. Among the company on the ground was also Col. the Hon J. Y. Scarlett, L. Heyworth, Esq., M.P., and other gentlemen who had not joined the procession. The ladies from the hall witnessed the ceremony from the adjoining house of W. M. Coultate, Esq.
On reaching the spot, John Moore, Esq., of Palace House, presented to Mr. Towneley, on behalf of the building committee of the institution, an elegant silver trowel, bearing the following inscription:— "Presented to Charles Towneley. Esq., of Towneley, the president and the generous supporter of the Burnley Mechanics' Institution, on the occasion of laying the foundation stone, November 25th, 1851." Mr. Towneley received the trowel; and Mr. Smirthwaite handed to him a bottle hermetically sealed, containing the silver coins of the realm from a florin to a penny, and some documents connected with the institution. Mr. Towneley then deposited the bottle in a cavity in the lower stone, and placed upon it a plate bearing the inscription:— "Burnley Mechanics' Institution. The first stone laid by Charles Towneley, Esq., of Towneley, in the presence of the Earl of Carlisle, the Earl of Sefton, Sir J. P. Kay-Shuttleworth, Bart., &c., &c., November 25th, 1851." He then spread the mortar, and the upper stone being lowered, he applied the level, mallet, &c., and the stone was considered "laid."
Mr. Towneley then ascended the stone, and said:— My Lords and Gentlemen, I rejoice in the magnificent meeting which I see before me, particularly on account of the object for which it is assembled. I congratulate all the inhabitants of the town of Burnley on having achieved the object which we have long had at heart, and which, I firmly believe, will be of considerable use, as well as ornament to the town.—(Hear, hear.) I especially congratulate you on the good feeling which has been manifested by all sects and parties in this locality, in forwarding this work, which has the mental and moral improvement of the working classes at heart. —(Hear, hear.) This is a remarkable year, and I hope this will be a remarkable day. —(Hear, hear.) It is a remarkable year which announces to us that the population of Burnley has increased 50 per cent. during the last ten years, or 1,000 per year. I hope this will be a remarkable day, as being that on which is laid the first stone of a building which the inhabitants of this town have promoted, in order to secure the benefits of education to the working classes. —(Hear, hear.) It is natural that the population should increase when we consider the healthiness of the climate, (for it is famous for the longevity of its inhabitants,) that there are inexhaustible coal mines, and the excellent facilities for transporting goods by land and water from Burnley. When we consider all these things, it is natural that the population should increase to an enormous extent. But this increase, through it may be a proof, of the untiring energy of the manufacturers of the town, would be a curse if the wants of the population, physical and mental, were not attended to. But I rejoice at the unanimity evidenced to day, and feel grateful to the many friends who have come from a distance to promote this great object; I thank those noblemen and gentlemen, the lord lieutenant of the county, the chancellor of the duchy, and other friends, who, by their presence to-day, have supported this work; and I am sure that under such patronage it will succeed.—(Hear, hear.) I hope when the building shall have been erected, its annual meetings will attest and record the improvement of those for whose benefit and happiness, and prosperty, it was built. —(Tremendous cheering.)
The National Anthem was then sung with the greatest enthusiasm by the immense assembly. Three hearty cheers were given for Charles Towneley, Esq., three for Lady Caroline Towneley, aud three for the Institution, and the vast concourse separated.
Upwards of 100 gentlemen then proceeded to
THE DINNER,
which, took place at Mr. Brooks's, the Hall Inn, at about three o'clock The room was tastefully decorated for the occasion, garlands of evergreens hanging in graceful festoons amid paintings and engravings of local interest. Among these were views of the new Mechanics' Institution, portraits of the late P. E. Towneley, Esq., Lady Caroline Towneley, &c. Charles Towneley, Esq., occupied the chair, supported on his right by the Right Honourable the Earl oF Sefton, Lord-Lieutenant of the County, the Hon. Col. Scarlett, J. Heywood, Esq., M.P., F.R.S., Lawrence Heyworth, Esq., M,P., the Rev. T. Wilson, and on his left by the Right Hon. the Earl of Carlisle, Chancellor of the Duchy, J. Wilson Patten, Esq., M.P., J. Moore, Esq., J. Spencer, Esq., &c. George Stansfield, Esq, occupied the vice-chair. Sir J.P. Kay-Shuttleworth, who was present on the ground, was not sufficiently well to attend the dinner on the evening meeting; this was much regretted, as the honourable baronet had intended, if his health permitted, to explain at length his views on mechanics' institutions, and their influence on the age as educational agents.
The Rev. T. Wilson said grace before dinner; after dinner "Non nobis, Domine," was sung by the members of the Burnley Glee Club.
The PRESIDENT was sure that after the expressions of loyalty which had on all hands greeted the visit of the Queen to this county they would receive the first toast he had to propose with no less loyalty. He proposed health, happiness, and prosperity to her Majesty the Queen Victoria. —(Three times three.)
"God save the Queen," sung by the Glee Club.
The PRESIDENT next gave Prince Albert and the rest of the Royal family. They could not forget the interest the prince had shown as chairman of the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of the industry of all nations, or as chairman of 2,000 farmers in Windsor Park. —(Applause.)
Glee: "Hail, star of Brunswick."
The PRESIDENT proposed the army and navy, and while they willingly paid a tribute to the bravery of British troops, he hoped England might have so few enemies that it would be long before there was any need of their services. —(Applause.)
The Hon. Col. Scarlett, who was cheered on rising, said he returned his sincere thanks for the honour done to the army and navy, and to himself, the unworthy representative of their services, on that occasion. Next to the approbation of his sovereign, the greatest pleasare a soldier could enjoy was to receive the approbation of his fellow subjects, and he was glad to find he had that. As regarded his duties he hoped with his friend at the head of the table that the occasions for their exercise would be few and far between; yet when they wanted him to fight he would be ready. —(Hear.) He would allude to one fact in connection with the anniversary which might be of interest on that particular occasion, when they were assembled to celebrate the commencement of an educational institution which would be both of use and an ornament to the town of Burnley, and that was that the spread of education had done much good in the army —(Hear.) It was thirty-two years since he joined the army, and there was now a great difference to what there was then and which he attributed to the spread of education. There was in consequence a greater absence of crime and punishment. —(Applause)
Glee: "Britannia's wooden walls."
The President having announced that the limited time allowed for the meeting would oblige them to curtail their speeches, next proposed the Lord-Lieutenant of the County. He had come amongst them that day not only on account of affection and kindness existing between the noble earl and himself, but because he was always anxious to promote the welfare of his own neighbourhod, and the prosperity of the county at large. —(Applause.)
The Earl of Sefton said the chairman had truly remarked that he had come there that day for a double purpose and a double gratification. He came there to promote as far as he could the object they had in view, and once more to enjoy the friendship and hospitality of his friend, at his mansion in the neighbourhood. He trusted that the foundation stone which they had witnessed the laying of that morning might prove the foundation of the prosperity of their town. No doubt it would be be so. Nothing but good could arise from such an institution as they were establishing. —(Hear.) He wished them every possible success, and he should have the greatest gratification in the high office to which he had lately had the honour of being placed to promote such objects. —(Hear.) He was much obliged to them for the manner in which they had received the toast; he wished them all prosperity, and would drink in return each of their good healths. —(Applause.)
The President would next call upon them to drink the health of the Chancellor of the Duchy. He felt particularly obliged for the kind manner in which he had come among them that day. They all knew the valuable aid he had rendered to such societies in other places, and they felt grateful for the assistance of one so universally appreciated as he was, for having the welfare of his country at heart. —(Loud cheers)
The Earl of Carlisle on rising to respond, was received with loud applause. His lordship said he felt particularly obliged to his friend for proposing and to the company for drinking the health of the Chancellor of the Duchy. He was reminded by the mention of that title that he had lately been among them on a less pleasant, task —(laughter)— but he was not going to borrow the example of one gentleman who appeared before him on that occasion, and deliver a speech lasting two and a half days. —(Laughter.) Certainly it would be impossible for him to imitate the eloquence of that speech, and without even the timely caution of the chairman, not at all disposed to imitate it in its length. —(Laughter.) It was a great pleasure for him, not only to be the guest of their excellent neighbour Mr. Townley, but also to have been present on the interesting occasion of that morning, to witness his performing in so workmanlike a manner his masonic duties —(laughter)— and to hear the noble sentiments which so appropriately and gracefully fell from him on that occasion. —(Hear.) He joined with him and the Lord Lieutenant of the county that their exertions might have the most gratifying and prosperous results. He was glad also to see, for of this he was reminded by various signs upon the wall, and by the presence of the accomplished architect, that the building was to be one, not only of instruction and utility, but of ornament to the town. —(Applause.) He again felt the necessity of the caution of the chairman, and as there would be another and more legitimate opportunity of expressing his opinion at a more advanced period of the evening, he would not then say more than he trusted that through a long succession of lives of the people of the town, the institution might be the means of useful instruction and innocent recreation. -(Cheers.)
The president proposed the members for the county, and he need scarcely say how glad he was to see them there to patronise the good work in hand. —(Loud cheers.)
Mr. Wilson Patten, M.P., had no difficulty in returning thanks for himself and his honourable colleague, because he knew the feeling of his honourable colleague to institutions of that character. It was impossible to have witnessed the events of that day without feeling the greatest interest in the work, and without feeling also, that a work so auspiciously commenced, must tend to improve and elevate the character of the community. He again thanked them for his colleague and himself for the honour they had done them.
The President proposed the healths of the members for Blackburn and Derby, both warm friends of education.
—(Applause.)
Mr. L. Heyworth M.P., said their worthy president had spoken truly when he said both his friend Mr. Pilkington and himself were warm supporters of education. He was most happy to see the efforts made in Burnley that day. They were an example to other communities to make similar exertions.
The President said the next toast was a most important one, but he would not take up much of their time in proposing it, as there would be a further opportunity of speaking upon it afforded in the evening. He could not doubt the good feeling of the people of Burnley to the work when he saw the unanimity with which the work of inauguration hod been received that day. He proposed "Prosperity to the Burnley Mechanics' Institution." —(Loud cheering)
Mr. Thos. Moore said there was in Burnley a heart-felt desire that the work should flourish, and there would be no lack of effort to attain that end.
Glee: "There's a good time coming."
The Hon. Col. Scarlett, in proposing the next toast, felt his inability to do it efficiently. The name of Towneley was familiar to all their hills and vallies. In every district the influence of that name was felt, -(loud applauses,) —and where felt it was of benefit to all within its sphere. —(Hear.) The gentleman who now represented its name and property he had had the honour of being acquainted with for upwards of twenty-five years; so he knew him and could esteem him. Whether he looked upon him as a neighbour and a friend or in his public capacity as a country gentleman of high position and large landed property he found him equally estimable. After some good-humoured observations on the proceedings of the morning, the honourable and gallant colonel concluded by proposing the health of the president which was drunk amid great cheering.
The President assured them he felt a very great difficulty in expressing his gratitude for the kind manner in which his name had been received and the way in which his honourable friend had proposed it. He had nothing more at heart than to see their town flourish. It was the place where he hoped to live and die, and he was naturally anxious to see happiness spread where he had to pass his life. He thanked them for the kind manner in which they had drunk his health; what humble exertions he had made for the good of the town had been most willingly given. —(Applause.)
Mr. Heywood, M.P., in proposing the next toast, congratulated them on the unanimous feeling of the town on the occasion of laying the first stone of the new building. They must have all seen how cordially the town were united on this question. The institution was one of great importance, and its operations would be productive of much good. He had great pleasure in proposing the health of his friend Mr. Stansfeld, who had rendered good service to the Institution. Mr. Stansfeld belonged to a family of bankers to which his own family belonged, and he should naturally speak well of them. —(Laughter.) He believed, however, that judicious banking had done much to promote and develope the enterprise of the county of Lancaster. —(Hear.) He had great pleasure in proposing the health of Mr. Stansfeld, their vice-president. —(Applause.)
Mr. Stansfeld did not expect he should have had to make a speech. His health had not allowed him latterly to devote as much time to the interests of the Institution as he could have wished, but he had always had a great desire to see it prosper. He had not before stated publicly, but he would now state, that this building must not stop until it was completed. —(Cheers). In this work they must support him, and he would support them. —(Cheers.) It was highly important that the work should go on, and this it must do. He was exceedingly obliged to them for drinking his health. —(Applause.)
The Earl of Carlisle was honoured with a command to propose another toast for their acceptance. He wished their institutions always to receive the sanction and presence of ministers of the gospel. He need not dwell on the advantages to the country of a pious and learned ministry. With the toast of the clergy, he would beg to couple the name of Mr. Wilson. —(Applause.)
The Rev. T. Wilson, as one of the clergy, would feebly thank Lord Carlisle for proposing the toast. He could only say that the clergy of the country, as a body, were willing and anxious to check-crime and encourage industry, that good order might reign among the people, with a feeling of loyalty and affection to the sovereign of these realms. He stated his firm conviction of one circumstance which more than ever was confirmed in his daily task, whether in schools or in the visitation of the sick, that the clergy now carry with them the good-will, and receive willingly the pecuniary assistance, of the people committed to their charge. —(Applause.)
Mr. Wilson Patten, M.P., was sure there was not an individual present at the ceremony of the morning but must feel proud of the assemblage then present. It was not the male sex alone that were there; and in the long line of procession there was not a single window but ladies were at it. He was sorry that Lady Caroline Towneley was unable to be present by an attack of illness. There was, however, present the Countess of Sefton. In the presence of her husband he could not say as much as he otherwise might. If they knew her as well as she was known at this end of the county, they would love and respect her as much as she was there loved and respected. It was very gratifying to see her at the head of the ladies. He begged to propose the health of Lady Caroline Towneley, the Countess of Sefton, and the ladies of Burnley. —(Applause.)
The President returned thanks for the kindness with which they had received the toast. He regretted that Lady Caroline had not been able to visit them that day as she had hoped, in consequence of a sick head-ache. He agreed in all that had been said by his friend Mr. Wilson Patten respecting his noble sister-in-law, Lady Sefton. No one took greater interest than she did in her own locality in adequately performing her social duties.
The Earl of Sefton would carry to Lady Sefton the kindness with which they had received her name. Indeed she had no right to be named in the toast with Lady Caroline Towneley. He believed, however, that in her own part of the county she was equally anxious to do good.
Mr. shaw proposed "Prosperity to the town and trade of Burnley." They could not attain that object better or more efficiently than by educating all classes of the people, and especially the working community. —(Applause.)
Mr. Lord Massey cordially responded to the sentiment just proposed. The local advantages of the town of Burnley were great; its coal mines and stone quarries, its canal and railways, its proximity to Manchester, an energetic and industrious population, with men of enterprise among them, made Burnley such that few towns were equal to it. He hoped all these advantages would be permanent, for the town must increase. Much might be said of the trade of the town, and of other improvements to be effected. A cemetery was proposed and he hoped also they should have a member of porliament before long. —(Hear.) He was one of the oldest inhabitants of the town; he could remember it having four or five thousand inhabitants; now, with Habergham Eaves, it had nearly forty thousand. Habergham Eaves and Burnley must now be considered one town; they joined each other, and had one and the same market. He hoped Lord John Russell would bear this in mind in the next parliament. —(Laughter and cheers.)
Glee: "As the moments roll Mr. Pollard, of Burnley, as on the previous occasions, accompanying on the piano-forte.
The Chairman and principal guests then left the room. The conviviality of the company was for a short time longer kept up under the presidency of John Heelis, Esq., after which the company adjourned to the public meeting and tea party in Salem Chapel.

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PostPosted: Fri Nov 27, 2009 9:42 am 
Spider Lady
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I thought we had a picture of the Mechanics Institute...perhaps not! This is the closest view http://www.briercliffesociety.co.uk/Pho ... 0Hall3.htm

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